Basket Carrier for Bottles and Blank Therefore

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a basket carrier for carrying at least one bottle or the like, comprising a central partition wall comprising a first and a second partition wall part which are connected to each other; a first bottom wall part which is connected to the first partition wall part along a first bottom folding line positioned on a side of the first partition wall part opposite the top edge and folded along the first bottom folding line in such a way that the first bottom wall part protrudes from the first partition wall part; a first end wall which is folded with respect to the first bottom wall part in upward direction towards the top edge along a third bottom folding line; a second bottom wall part connected to the second partition wall part along a second bottom folding line folded along the second bottom folding line in such a way that the second bottom wall part protrudes from the second partition wall part; a second end wall which is folded with respect to the second bottom wall part in upward direction towards the top edge along a fourth bottom folding line; wherein the basket carrier comprises a first and second side wall connecting the first and second end wall, to enclose between the first and second end wall, the first and second side wall and the central partition wall, a first and a second volume for receiving bottles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a basket carrier for carrying a multiplicity of bottles or the like and a blank for such a basket carrier.

Basket carriers for carrying bottles have been widely used in the art. The known basket carriers usually comprise a bottom wall, a central partition which usually contains the handle for carrying the basket and divides the basket in two parts, two end walls on opposite sides of the central partition, two side walls closing the space between the central partition and the end wall and dividers dividing the space on each side of the central partition into a number of individual cells or units. Usually such baskets are made of paper or card board, by folding and gluing a corresponding blank, or multiple blanks.

In the basket carrier disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,848,695, the side walls are formed of an upright side flap, which is folded in upright direction and which extends along part of the side wall of the basket only. The remainder of each side wall is formed by folding the end parts of the upright extending opposite end walls on one side of the basket carrier towards the side flap present on that side and fastening the end parts thereto. The same is done on the opposite side of the basket carrier, which means that the end walls and side flaps have to be aligned at four positions, which is aesthetically unpleasant. Since the end parts of the end walls do not overlap, transfer of forces between the storage volumes on opposite sides of the central partition wall cannot take place and tightening of the end walls to fix the position of the bottles cannot be done. The bottles are loaded into the storage volume from the side walls, so that some play has to be provided between the central partition, the end wall and the bottles, to permit insertion of the bottles. Because of the indirect connection of the end walls, force and weight transfer to the central partition wall is reduced as well. Besides that, the basket carrier shows a significant number of flaps which need to overlap to give it some strength, but which involve the use and loss of too much cardboard.

The basket carrier disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,850,223 consists of two mirror imaged parts, which extend from opposite sides of a top folding line which connects two sides of the double walled central partition wall. A storage volume for receiving bottles extends on each side of the central partition, between the central partition and the end wall. Each side wall comprises four flaps, a first flap which forms the side wall, a second flap which is provided to run along the bottom wall of the storage volume, a third flap which is provided to run along the end wall of the storage volume and a fourth flap which is double folded against the side wall. The end wall comprises two wall parts which are double folded on each other and receive between them the third flap of the side wall, to fix the position of the side wall within the basket carrier. However, the side walls of the storage volumes on the opposite sides of the central partition are not fastened to each other as a consequence of which no force transfer from one end wall to the other can occur and the load bearing capacity of the basket carrier is insufficient although it uses a significant amount of card board.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,396,116 discloses a basket-type carrier for carrying bottles which is made of two mirror image parts. The basket disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,396,116 comprises a central partition which extends in height direction of the basket and is made of two mirror imaged parts, which are folded with respect to each other along a top folding line extending in longitudinal direction of the basket. Both central partition wall parts slant with respect to each other from the top folding line towards the bottom of the basket. The basket comprises a first and second side wall on opposite sides of the central partition, which are folded from the central partition in downward direction from the top folding line and run perpendicular to the central partition. The first and second side walls each comprise two flaps which are double folded against each other in height direction of the basket to provide double walled side walls. Opposite edges of the first and second side walls are folded along folding lines in height direction of the basket, towards the central partition to run along the end walls and to form divider flaps providing a plurality of cells between the central partition and the end walls of the basket. The remaining edge of one of the side walls is connected to a transverse edge of the bottom wall along a bottom folding line. The opposite transverse edge of the bottom wall comprises a lip which is fastened to the other side wall to form the bottom of the basket carrier. Each of the opposite longitudinal sides of the bottom wall is connected to a flap, which form the end walls of the basket.

Thus a basket is provided in which the weight of bottles contained by the basket is fully carried by the bottom wall of the basket. Thereby, only one of the sides of the bottom wall is connected to a side wall along a folding line, the other opposite side of the bottom wall is glued to the other side wall along a lip only.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a basket carrier for bottles with an improved strength

This is achieved according to the present invention with a basket carrier showing the following technical features:

-   -   a central partition wall (10) comprising a first and a second         partition wall part (1, 11) which extend in height direction of         the basket carrier and are connected to each other, wherein each         of the first and second partition wall part comprise a top edge         (30)     -   a first bottom wall part (2) which is connected to the first         partition wall part (1) along a first bottom folding line (21)         positioned on a side of the first partition wall part (1)         opposite the top edge (30) and folded along the first bottom         folding line in such a way that the first bottom wall part (2)         protrudes from the first partition wall part (1) in a direction         pointing away from the second partition wall part (11),     -   a first end wall (3) which is folded with respect to the first         bottom wall part (1) in upward direction along a third bottom         folding line (23) positioned on a side of the first bottom wall         part (2) opposite the first bottom folding line (21),     -   a second bottom wall part (12) connected to the second partition         wall part (11) along a second bottom folding line (22)         positioned on a side of the second partition wall part (11)         opposite the top edge (30) of the second partition wall part and         folded along the second bottom folding line in such a way that         the second bottom wall part (12) protrudes from the second         partition wall part (11) in a direction pointing away from the         first partition wall part (1),     -   a second end wall (13) which is folded with respect to the         second bottom wall part (11) in upward direction along a fourth         bottom folding line (24) positioned on a side of the second         bottom wall part (12) opposite the second bottom folding line         (22),         wherein opposite end parts of the first end wall (3) extend         towards the second end wall to form respectively a first and a         second side wall part (8, 9), and opposite end parts of the         second end wall (13) extend towards the first end wall to form         third and fourth side wall parts (18, 19), wherein the first and         third side wall part (8, 18) at least partially overlap to form         the first side wall (31) to provide a first storage volume (29)         on a first side of the central partition for receiving bottles,         and the second and fourth side wall part (9, 19) at least         partially overlap to form a second side wall (32) and to provide         a second storage volume (39) on a second side of the central         partition for receiving bottles.

Thus, the basket carrier of the present invention comprises at least one first and second volume for containing bottles or the like, which are separated from each other by the central partition wall, but connected to each other by the overlapping ends of the end walls. As a result of the compartimentation, the connection of the bottom wall to the central partition and the end wall and the connection between the opposite end walls, the weight of the bottles contained in one compartment of the basket is not be carried by the single, plain bottom wall of that compartment alone. The direct connection of both the first and second bottom wall part to the central partition wall along which the basket carrier is carried, ensures that the central partition wall and the bottom wall of each compartment form one unitary entity, and that a load exerted to the bottom wall of a compartment may be directly transferred to the central partition and distributed in an optimum manner thereto. As a result a basket carrier with an improved weight bearing capacity is provided in which the weight bearing function is exerted by the co-operating bottom walls and central partition wall. Because of the existing connections, the weight carried by one storage volume of the basket carrier may be at least partly transferred from the bottom wall to the central partition wall and to the end wall of that storage volume, and from there to the end and bottom wall of the storage volume on the opposite side of the central partition. Thus a basket carrier is provided with an increased weight bearing capacity. Because of the optimized load distribution, the thickness of the paper or board used for producing the basket carrier may be reduced without adversely affecting the load bearing capacity of the basket, thus permitting to save 20% or more weight with respect to the known basket carriers.

In the above described basket carrier, the majority of the weight is carried by the bottom walls and the central partition wall parts, the end walls and side walls need to contribute to the weight bearing function to a minimum extent only. Their function is merely to confine and fix bottles contained in the basket, in their position, which is achieved by the overlapping connection of the side wall parts.

The connection of the first and second storage volume may be established using any connecting means considered suitable by the person skilled in the art, and may for example comprise a top folding line along which the first and second volume are connected to each other. The top folding line may simultaneously form the top edge of the basket. The connection may however also be achieved along a top part of the first and second partition wall part in any other suitable way for example by gluing, stapling etc of the first partition wall part to the second partition wall part. The connection along the top folding line involves that the bottom walls of the storage volumes are connected to each other through and along the top edge of the basket, which assists in improving the load and weight distribution within the basket carrier and in increasing the weight bearing capacity.

The possibility of further saving on the amount of card board needed is provided with the preferred embodiment wherein the basket carrier and blank for the basket carrier of the present invention are build symmetric with respect to the top folding edge. The symmetric construction also facilitates production and folding of the blank.

The first and second volume of the basket carrier of this invention for containing the bottles or the like, may be subdivided in individual cells or volumes for receiving one single bottle or container or the like by means of at least one tab present in the first and/or second volume. The at least one tab may protrude either from the end wall in the direction of the central partition wall, or from the central partition wall part in the direction of the corresponding end wall. Preferably however the at least one tab protrudes from the central partition wall part, as in that way the effect on the load bearing ability and strength of the basket carrier may be reduced to the best extent. To provide the at least one tab, the basket carrier and blank of this invention are characterized by the presence in each of the first and second central partition wall part of at least one cutting line defining the at least one tab, each tab being connected to the central partition wall part along a tab folding line. These technical features permit to loosen part of the tab from the walls of the basket carrier and to achieve that the at least one tab protrudes into the first or second volume of the basket carrier.

A basket carrier with a reinforced carrier handle having an improved load bearing or carrying capacity is characterized by the presence of at least one further carrier handle flap, which is connected to the carrier handle part along a folding line which intersects the top folding edge at one of its ends. The at least one further carrier handle flap comprises a third and a fourth carrier handle part, which are positioned on opposite sides of the top folding edge, the third carrier handle part being connected to the first carrier handle part along a folding line, the fourth carrier handle part being connected to the second carrier handle part along a folding line as well. In the basket carrier of this invention the further carrier handle flap is double folded over the handle, in such a way that the third carrier handle part overlays the first carrier handle part and is fastened to it and the fourth carrier handle part overlays the second carrier handle part and is fastened to it. Within the framework of this invention, the further carrier handle flap may however also be produced as a separate part to be fastened to the handle. The further carrier handle flap may further comprise or be made as a first and a second part, provided on opposite sides of the carrier handle flap, and folded towards each other to at least partly cover the carrier handle part.

To fix the position of the tabs in their protruding position, opposite edges of the further carrier handle flap comprise at least one protrusion protruding from the edge, which protrusion is provided to engage a top edge of the tab to fix the position of the tab in the erected state of the basket carrier.

The invention is further elucidated in the appending figures and description of the figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a possible embodiment of the blank of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows an alternative embodiment of the blank of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a view to the inside of the basket carrier of this invention.

FIGS. 4-10 show the way in which the blanket of this invention is folded to build the basket carrier of this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The blank shown in FIG. 1 comprises a central partition wall 10 comprising a top folding line 20 dividing the partition wall in a first and a second partition wall part 1, 11. The first and a second partition wall part 1, 11 are connected to each other along the top folding line 20 and point in opposite directions therefrom. The first and second partition wall part may be substantially mirror images or may differ from each other if the envisaged use so requires. If so required, the basket carrier and thus the blank of this invention may also be made of two parts wherein the first and second partition wall are not connected through the folding line but are stapled or glued or connected to each other in any other suitable way.

On a side opposite the top folding line 20, the first partition wall part 1 comprises a first bottom folding line 21, connecting the first partition wall part 1 to a first bottom wall part 2. Similarly, the second partition wall part 2 comprises on a side opposite the top folding line 20 a second bottom folding line 22 connecting the second partition wall part 11 to a second bottom wall part 12. The first and second bottom wall part may be substantially mirror images as is shown in FIG. 1, or may differ from each other if the envisaged use so requires. From FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 it appears that the connection between the bottom wall parts 2, 12 and the corresponding central partition wall parts is a rather long connection. Thus, a rather long contact area is provided along which any forces exerted to a bottom wall part may be transferred to the corresponding central partition wall part.

The first bottom wall part 2 is in turn connected to a first end wall 3 along a third bottom folding line 23, on a side of the first bottom wall part 2 opposite the first bottom folding line 21. Similarly, the second bottom wall part 12 is connected to a second end wall 13 along a fourth bottom folding line 24, on a side of the second bottom wall part 12 opposite the second bottom folding line 22. The first and second end wall 3, 13 may have virtually the same height in a direction along folding lines A-D or may have a different height.

An end part of the first end wall 3 comprises a first flap 8 which protrudes from the first end wall 3 in a direction running along the third bottom folding line 23. When envisaging a basket carrier with straight edges, the first flap 8 is preferably connected to the first end wall 3 along an upright folding line A. The folding line A may run substantially vertical or slant with respect to the bottom wall 2 and the first end wall 3 under any conventional edge, considered suitable by the person skilled in the art. If it is envisaged to produce a basket carrier with round edges, the folding line A may be dispensed with. The opposite end part of the first end wall 3 may comprise a second flap 9 which protrudes from the first end wall 3 on a side opposite the first side carrying the first flap 8. The second flap 9 may be connected to the first end wall 3 with or without folding line B as described above for folding line A. The first and second flap 8, 9 may have virtually the same dimensions or may have different dimensions. The first and second flap 8, 9 may have virtually the same height as the first side wall 3 or have a different height.

Similarly, an end part of the second end wall 13 may comprise a fourth flap 19 which protrudes from the second end wall 13 in a direction running along the fourth bottom folding line 24. When envisaging a basket carrier with straight edges, the second flap 18 is preferably connected to the second end wall 13 along an upright folding line D. The folding line D may run substantially vertical or slant with respect to the bottom wall 12 and the second end wall 13 under any conventional edge, considered suitable by the person skilled in the art. If it is envisaged to produce a basket carrier with round edges, the folding line D may be dispensed with. An opposite end part of the second end wall 13 may also comprise a third flap 18 which protrudes from the second end wall 13 on a side opposite the side carrying the fourth flap 19. The third flap 18 may be connected to the second end wall 13 with or without a folding line C as described above for folding line D. The third and fourth flap 18, 19 may have virtually the same or different dimensions. The third and fourth flap 18, 19 may have virtually the same height as the second side wall 13 or may have a different height. The dimensions of the first and third flap on the one hand and the second and fourth flap may be the same or different, which may require that the fastening is done at the position of the first or second storage volume, or at the position of the first storage volume on one side of the basket carrier and at the position of the second storage volume on the opposite side of the basket carrier. However, optimum paper use is achieved with all flaps having the same dimensions.

A symmetric blank, with paper saving is obtained when the first, second, third and fourth flap 8, 9, 18, 19 have virtually the same dimensions. In that case, an inner face of first flap 8 may be connected to an outer face of third flap 18 substantially centrally of the first side wall 31 of the basket, i.e. at a position which corresponds to the position of the upright edges 35, 37 of the first and second partition wall part 1, 11. In that way any forces applied to one of the bottom wall parts of the basket carrier may additionally be carried over not only towards the other compartment of the basket carrier, but also to the connection of the first and third side flap, respectively the connection of the fourth and second flap. With such a connection of the flaps at the position of the upright edges of the first and second partition wall part, the load carrying function of the basket is concentrated in the central part of the basket at the position of the central partition wall and an improved force absorption ability is provided. The connection of the respective flaps to one another may however be established in any other way considered suitable by the person skilled in the art. For example, the reverse connection of first and third flap 8, 18 is also possible. Similarly, an inner face of second flap 9 may be connected to an outer face of fourth flap 19 substantially centrally of the second side wall 32 of the basket, i.e. at a position which corresponds to the position of the upright edges 36, 38. However, the reverse connection of second and fourth flap 9, 19 is also possible. The substantially central fastening at the position of the side walls presents the advantage that an improved weight transfer towards the central partition wall may be achieved, thus improving the load bearing capacity of the basket carrier of this invention.

Within the framework of this invention however, it is also possible to dispense with the presence of the third and fourth flap 18, 19. In that case the first and second flap 8, 9 will have to be fastened to the second end wall. Although this is less favourable from the load distribution, fastening, confining and aesthetic point of view, uses may be envisaged in which such fastening would be preferred.

On opposite upright sides of the first partition wall part 1, a first lip 6 and preferably also a second lip 7 may be provided which extend in height direction of the first partition wall part 1. The first and second lip 6, 7 may have the same or different dimensions and are connected to the first partition wall part 1 along respectively a first and second upright edge 35, 36 of the first partition wall part 1, which simultaneously may form upright folding lines. However, if so desired the presence of a single lip may suffice. On opposite upright sides of the second partition wall part 11, a third and fourth lip 16, 17 may be provided which extend in height direction of the second partition wall part 11. The third and fourth lip 16, 17 are connected to the second partition wall part 11 along respectively a third and fourth upright edge 37, 38 of the second partition wall part 11, which simultaneously may form upright folding lines. The third and fourth lip 16, 17 may have the same or different dimensions and may have the same or different dimensions as compared to the first and second lip 6, 7. However, if so desired a single lip may suffice. In that case, it is advisable to have one lip on both opposite side walls of the basket carrier. The main function of the lips is to improve the shaping of the basket carrier.

To facilitate carrying, the basket carrier comprises on opposite sides of the top folding edge 20, between the top folding edge and the first and second partition wall part 1, 11, respectively a first and a second carrier handle part 4, 14. The first and second carrier handle part respectively comprise a first and second opening 41, 42 to facilitate carrying. The first carrier handle part may form one integral part with the first partition wall part 1 or may be regarded as a separate part which may slant somewhat with respect to the first partition wall part 1 under any convenient angle, and for example along a folding line or not. Similarly, the second carrier handle part may form one integral part with the second partition wall part 11 or may be regarded as a separate part which may slant somewhat with respect to the second partition wall part 11 and along a folding line or not.

A reinforced handle is obtained with a blank 10 and basket carrier 60 which comprises sideways of the first and second carrier handle part 4, 14, with reference to the central partition wall 10, at least one further carrier handle flap 45. The at least further carrier handle flap preferably comprises two parts, similar to the carrier handle, in particular a third and a fourth carrier handle part 5, 15 that are foldable with respect to each other along a top folding line 25. Preferably folding line 25 extends from top folding line 20. The third and a fourth carrier handle part 5, 15 may have a different shape, but preferably are substantially mirror images of each other, to provide virtually the same reinforcement on both sides of the top folding edge 20.

According to a different embodiment, a virtually fully symmetric blank may be obtained in case the further carrier handle flap 45 comprises a first part on a first upright side (35, 36) of the central partition wall 10 and a second part on a second upright side (37, 38) of the central partition wall 10 opposite the first side as is shown in FIG. 2.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the third carrier handle part 5 of the further carrier handle flap comprises on a side opposite the top folding edge 25, a transverse edge 46. From the transverse edge 46 at least one protrusion 40 protrudes in the direction of the first bottom wall 2. The at least one protrusion 40 may be formed integral with the third carrier handle part 5, or part of the protrusion may be separate therefrom. In the latter case the at least one protrusion 40 may as such function as a divider for dividing the first volume 29 formed by the first bottom wall 3 in at least two cells or compartments 61-62 (see FIG. 3). However, it is also possible to dispense with the tabs 50 and to use the protrusions 40 as a divider. In that case the protrusion 40 may for example extend from the central partition wall part towards the corresponding end wall.

According to a different embodiment, partitions may be provided by providing in each of the first and second central partition wall part 1 at least one cutting line 49, each cutting line defining a tab 50. Opposite ends of the cutting line are connected to each other along a folding line 48 to provide a tab which is foldable with respect to the central partition wall part 1, 11. The number of tabs 50 is not essential to the invention and may be varied by the person skilled in the art depending on the intended use and number of bottles or other containers to be carried by the basket carrier. Thereby the number of tabs 50 on the first and second partition wall part 1, 11 may be the same to provide the same number of compartments on both sides of the basket carrier. However the number of tabs 50 on the first and second partition wall part 1, 11 may also be different if it is envisaged to produce a basket carrier with a different number of compartments on the first and second bottom wall 3, 13. The shape of the tabs 50 is not critical to the invention and may be any shape considered suitable by the person skilled in the art.

An improved positioning of the tabs 50 may be achieved in case a top edge 52 of each tab, when folded along folding line 48, is provided to engage or to co-operate with the corresponding protrusions 40 on the third and fourth carrier handle part 5, 15. However, if so desired one may chose to dispense with the presence of the at least one protrusion 40. Or else, the at least one protrusion 40 may function as the divider, the tabs 50 being dispensed with.

In the above, the blank is preferably symmetric with respect to the top folding edge 20. One may however also envisage building the basket carrier of the present invention of two blank parts, a first blank part corresponding to the first part of the blank shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 extending on a first side of the top folding edge, and a second blank part corresponding to the second part of the blank shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 extending on a second side of the top folding edge 20 opposite the first side. The two blank parts may be connected to each other using any suitable connecting technique known to the person skilled in the art.

To build the basket carrier of the present invention, the above described blank may be folded as is shown in FIGS. 4-10.

In a first step, second carrier handle flap 45 is folded along folding line 51 in such a way that its top face, in particular the top face 26 of the third and fourth carrier handle flaps 5, covers the top face 27 of respectively the first and second carrier handle part 4, 14. Preferably, the top face of second carrier handle flap is fastened to the top face 27 of the first and second carrier handle part 4, 14, to improve the load bearing capacity of the basket carrier. The connection may be achieved using any technique considered suitable by the person skilled in the art. However, usually gluing will be used to achieve fastening as it may be carried out fully automatic.

Thereafter, each of the at least one tab 50 is folded along the folding line 48 connecting the tab to the central partition wall part 1, 11, to protrude therefrom (FIG. 5). Simultaneously, the position of each tab is fixed by having it engaging a corresponding protrusion 46 on the third and fourth carrier handle part 5, 15

The blank is folded along top folding edge 20 in the direction of the arrows in such a way that the bottom faces 53, 54 of the two parts on opposite sides of the top folding edge 20 face each other (FIG. 6-7).

Then, bottom walls 2, 12 are folded along respectively folding lines 21, 22 towards respectively first and second partition wall part 1, 2 in such a way that bottom walls extends under a virtually right angle with respect to the respective partition wall parts 1, 11 (FIG. 8).

First end wall 3 is folded along folding line 23 in the direction of the first partition wall part 1 in such a way that it extends under a virtually right angle with respect to the first bottom wall 2. Thereby, the first end wall 3 may run substantially parallel to the first partition wall part 1 or slant with respect to it. Similarly, second end wall 13 is folded along folding line 24 in the direction of the second partition wall part 11 in such a way that it extends under a virtually right angle with respect to the second bottom wall 12. Thereby, the second end wall 13 may run substantially parallel to the second partition wall part 11 or slant with respect to it.

Lips 6, 7, 16, 17 are folded with respect to the first and second partition walls in such a way that they extend towards respectively the first and second end wall 3, 13. First flap 8 is folded along folding line A to form side wall 58. At least part of an outer face of first flap 8 is fastened to at least part of an inner face of third flap 18. Similarly second flap 9 is folded along folding line B to form side wall 59. At least part of an outer face of second flap 9 is fastened to at least part of an inner face of fourth flap 19. However, fastening may also be achieved using any of the other outer and inner faced of the first, second, third and fourth flap (FIG. 8). Thereby at least one or all of the flaps may be folded along a folding line as is shown in the appending figures, or else no folding line may be used and in that case the basket will show rounded edges.

If so desired, the first and second partition wall part may be fastened to each other over part or whole of their contact surface area.

In the basket carrier of the present invention, the first and second volume 29, 39 may be mirror images of each other, or have different dimensions in any suitable direction if so required.

From the above given description it appears that building of the basket carrier of the present invention from the corresponding blank, involves rather simple folding actions as compared to the known basket carriers, gluing of parts being required to a minimum extent only. Once the basket has been build, no further folding or erecting actions are required.

The present invention thus provides a basket carrier having a first and a second compartment on opposite sides of the central partition wall. In each compartment, the bottom wall is connected to the central partition wall along a direct connection. As a consequence, the weight carried by each compartment is not only carried by the respective bottom walls, but any forces acting upon the bottom wall may be directly transferred to the central partition wall. Following this, the weigh contained in the basket carrier is at least partly carried by the central partition wall. Thereby, any force exerted to the bottom wall may be transferred to the central partition wall along a direct connection. As a consequence a basket carrier is provided in which the weight carrying function is mainly exerted by the central partition wall.

In addition to this, any weights carried by the first and second volume or compartment 29, 39 act upon the connection of the first and second partition wall part 1, 11, but in opposite directions, and in that way at least partly neutralize each other in the vicinity of the connection of the first and second partition wall part.

Any weight forces exerted to the side walls, in particular at the position where the first and third 8, 18 side wall part are fastened to each other extend in the same direction, i.e. in a direction pointing away from the top folding edge 20 of the basket carrier. Thus the risk to loosening of the connection between the first and third side wall part 8, 18 due to the occurrence of shear forces may be minimized. The same is true for the connection of the second and fourth 9, 19 side wall part.

The result is a basket carrier with an increased weight carrying capacity, or else the basket carrier may be made of a lighter card or paper board as compared to the basket carriers known from the art, without thereby adversely affecting its weight carrying capacity. 

1. A basket carrier for carrying at least one bottle or the like, comprising a central partition wall comprising a first and a second partition wall part which extend in height direction of the basket carrier and are connected to each other, wherein each of the first and second partition wall part comprise a top edge, a first bottom wall part which is connected to the first partition wall part along a first bottom folding line positioned on a side of the first partition wall part opposite the top edge and folded along the first bottom folding line in such a way that the first bottom wall part protrudes from the first partition wall part in a direction pointing away from the second partition wall part, a first end wall which is folded with respect to the first bottom wall part in upward direction along a third bottom folding line positioned on a side of the first bottom wall part opposite the first bottom folding line, a second bottom wall part connected to the second partition wall part along a second bottom folding line positioned on a side of the second partition wall part opposite the top edge of the second partition wall part and folded along the second bottom folding line in such a way that the second bottom wall part protrudes from the second partition wall part in a direction pointing away from the first partition wall part, a second end wall which is folded with respect to the second bottom wall part in upward direction along a fourth bottom folding line positioned on a side of the second bottom wall part opposite the second bottom folding line, wherein opposite end parts of the first end wall extend towards the second end wall to form respectively a first and a second side wall part, and opposite end parts of the second end wall extend towards the first end wall to form third and fourth side wall parts, wherein the first and third side wall part at least partially overlap to form the first side wall to provide a first storage volume on a first side of the central partition for receiving bottles, and the second and fourth side wall part at least partially overlap to form a second side wall and to provide a second storage volume on a second side of the central partition for receiving bottles.
 2. The basket carrier as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the first and third side wall part on the one hand and the second and fourth side wall part on the other hand are fastened to each other in height direction of the basket carrier
 3. The basket carrier as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the first and second partition wall part are connected to each other along a top folding line of the basket carrier.
 4. The basket carrier as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that on opposite sides of the top edge, between the top edge and the first and second partition wall part, respectively a first and a second carrier handle part is provided forming a carrier handle to facilitate carrying.
 5. The basket carrier as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that the first and second carrier handle part respectively comprise a first and a second cut-out to facilitate carrying.
 6. The basket carrier as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that along a folding line sideways of the top folding line and intersecting the top folding line, a further carrier handle flap is provided comprising a third and a fourth carrier handle part positioned on opposite sides of the top folding edge, which further carrier handle flap is double folded over the carrier handle, in such a way that the third carrier handle part overlays the first carrier handle part and is fastened to it and the fourth carrier handle part overlays the second carrier handle part and is fastened to it.
 7. The basket carrier as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that on both opposite end parts sides of the top folding line, sideways of and intersecting the top folding line, a first and a second further carrier handle flap is provided, the first further carrier handle flap comprising a fifth and a sixth carrier handle part positioned on opposite sides of the top folding edge, the second further carrier handle flap comprising a seventh and eight carrier handle part, the first and second further carrier handle flap being double folded over the carrier handle, in such a way that the fifth and seventh carrier handle part overlay the first carrier handle part from opposite sides thereof and at least partly cover the first carrier handle part and are fastened thereto and in such a way that the sixth and eight carrier handle part overlay the second carrier handle part from opposite sides thereof and at least partly cover the second carrier handle part and are fastened thereto.
 8. The basket carrier as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that a first and fourth lip extend along respectively a first and fourth upright edge of respectively the first and second partition wall part on opposite sides of the central partition wall, and in that the third side wall part on the second side wall is fastened to the first lip, and the second side wall part on the first side wall is fastened to the fourth lip on the second partition wall part.
 9. The basket carrier as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that a second lip extends along a second upright edge of the first partition wall part opposite the first upright edge, in that a third lip extends along a third upright edge of the second partition wall part opposite the fourth upright edge, the second lip being received in the first volume and being provided to extend along the second side wall part, the third lip being received in the second volume and being provided to extend along the third side wall part.
 10. The basket carrier as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the end walls is connected to at least one side wall along an upright folding line.
 11. The basket carrier as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the end walls is connected to at least one side wall along a rounded edge.
 12. The basket carrier as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that in each of the first and second central partition wall part at least one cutting line is provided defining a tab, which is folded along an upright folding line to protrude towards the corresponding end wall, in view of defining at least one compartment in each of the first and second volume.
 13. The basket carrier as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that opposite edges of the further carrier handle flap on opposite sides of the top folding edge comprise at least one protrusion protruding from the edge in the direction of the bottom of the basket carrier, which protrusion is provided to engage a top edge of the tab to fix the position of the tab in the erected state of the basket carrier.
 14. A blank for a basket carrier for carrying at least one bottle or the like, which blank comprises a central partition wall comprising a first and a second partition wall part which are connected to each other along a top folding line and which point in opposite directions therefrom, wherein the first partition wall part on a side opposite the top folding line is connected to a first bottom wall part, along a first bottom folding line, wherein the first bottom wall part on a side opposite the first bottom folding line is in turn connected to a first end wall along a third bottom folding line, wherein the first end wall comprises at least one flap which extends from a side of the first end wall in a direction along the third bottom folding line, wherein the second partition wall part on a side opposite the top folding line is connected to a second bottom wall part, along a second bottom folding line, wherein the second bottom wall part on a side opposite the second bottom folding line is in turn connected to a second end wall along a fourth bottom folding line.
 15. The blank as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that the second end wall comprises a third and preferably also a fourth flap, which extend from opposite sides of the second end wall in a direction along the fourth bottom folding line.
 16. The blank as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that on opposite sides of the top folding edge, between the top folding edge and the first and second partition wall part, respectively a first and a second carrier handle part is provided.
 17. The blank as claimed in claim 16, characterized in that the first and second carrier handle part respectively comprise a first and a second cut-out.
 18. The blank as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that in each of the first and second central partition wall part at least one cutting line is provided defining at least one tab, each tab being connected to the central partition wall part along a tab folding line.
 19. The blank as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that the blank comprises sideways of the carrier handle part, a further carrier handle flap, which is connected to the carrier handle part along a folding line which intersects the top folding edge, which further carrier handle flap comprises a third and a fourth carrier handle part positioned on opposite sides of the top folding edge.
 20. The blank as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that on both opposite end parts sides of the top folding line, sideways of and intersecting the top folding line, a first and a second further carrier handle flap is provided, the first further carrier handle flap comprising a fifth and a sixth carrier handle part positioned on opposite sides of the top folding edge, the second further carrier handle flap comprising a seventh and eight carrier handle part, the first and second further carrier handle flap being double folded over the carrier handle, in such a way that the fifth and seventh carrier handle part overlay the first carrier handle part from opposite sides thereof and at least partly cover the first carrier handle part and are fastened thereto and in such a way that the sixth and eight carrier handle part overlay the second carrier handle part from opposite sides thereof and at least partly cover the second carrier handle part and are fastened thereto.
 21. The blank as claimed in claim 19, characterized in that opposite edges of the further carrier handle flap positioned on opposite sides of the top folding edge comprise at least one protrusion protruding from the edge, which protrusion is provided to engage a top edge of the tab to fix the position of the tab in the erected state of the basket carrier.
 22. The blank as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that the blank comprises a first and a second lip which protrude from opposite upright sides of the first partition wall part.
 23. The blank as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that the blank comprises a third and a fourth lip which protrude from opposite upright sides of respectively the second partition wall part. 